Officials noted that temperatures in recent days have already been recorded 2°C to 4°C above normal levels, signaling an early onset of intense summer conditions. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday issued a heatwave alert across the province for the Eid holidays, warning of a significant rise in temperatures between May 25 and May 31.
The federal government announced Eid holidays from May 26 to 28, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) predicted intense heatwave conditions during the holiday period.
According to the Meteorological Department, a high-pressure system is expected to develop in the upper atmosphere, resulting in moderate to severe heatwave conditions across the province.
Read: Temperatures may soar to 50°C during Eid holidays, warns PMD
“A high-pressure system is likely to form in the upper atmosphere from May 25 and intensify from May 26, leading to moderate to severe heatwave conditions in the province,” the PDMA said.
The authority warned that temperatures in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Karak and Lakki Marwat were expected to remain four to six degrees Celsius above normal and could rise between 47°C and 50°C.
In Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Haripur, Mohmand, Bajaur, Khyber, Hangu, North Waziristan and Kohat, temperatures were forecast to range between 42°C and 45°C.
The PDMA further said that severe heatwave conditions were also likely to persist in upper districts, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Mansehra, Kurram and South Waziristan.
The authority directed district administrations to ensure precautionary measures for the protection of human lives, crops and livestock ahead of the heatwave.
Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight between 10am and 5pm, while special precautions were recommended for elderly people and children.
Also Read: Govt declares May 26-28 public holidays for Eidul Azha
The authority also urged the public to increase water intake, wear loose and light-coloured clothing and adopt preventive measures against heatstroke.
The PDMA said awareness campaigns were being launched to inform people about symptoms of heatstroke, dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
The Health Department and district administrations were directed to establish heatstroke centres, cooling points and mobile cooling stations at key locations.
Rescue 1122 and fire brigade departments were instructed to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for possible fire incidents during the extreme weather conditions.
Farmers were advised to carry out wheat harvesting and other agricultural activities while keeping the weather situation in view and to ensure the protection of livestock.
According to a PDMA spokesperson, the Emergency Operations Centre remained fully operational and citizens were asked to report any emergency situation through the helpline 1700.
